Talking about Death
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Book Overview
Even in this candidly confessional age, we've been conditioned to avoid discussions of death. Our youth-worshipping culture does everything to deny death, which is why, when the end nears, most of us are inadequately prepared to deal with it. And the cost of that is great: many are haunted by memories of how inappropriately or painfully or uncomfortably their parents and grandparents died. Many of us avoid even considering the options, in all their complexity, that we will most likely face one day, given our new longevity and the profound advances in medicine. With its wise and very compelling argument that all of us, at any age, can and should face death before it faces us, Talking About Death addresses the cultural, personal, medical, and legal concerns that are necessary for us--as individuals and as a society--to prepare for a good death, a death where the dying are in control and not, as is too often the case, caught in a downward spiral of medical intervention and misunderstood intentions. Virginia Morris skillfully weaves together personal stories and practical matters, scientific fact and spiritual sensitivity into an important book about how we can achieve a greater sense of peace in dying, and rediscover the art of living.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1565124375
ISBN13:9781565124370
Release Date:January 2004
Publisher:Algonquin Books
Length:292 Pages
Weight:0.94 lbs.
Dimensions:0.9" x 6.1" x 8.9"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Just for me!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Although I am an RN and have wrapped many patients for the morgue in my day, I still fear death and if I will feel anything when I am dead. This book was affirming, validating and inspiring. It will help me live my life. How does so young a person have such insight into this topic? Of note an article entitled "Could the clinically dead feel pain" in ABC Science Online is fascinating. Thankyou Virginia. Buy the BOOK!
A book about life
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
This book is a welcome breath of fresh air in a world that seems to pretend that death never happens. It does, and this book reminds that denial will cheat us from what matters in life. My experience as a physician reminds me every day that death is an essential part of life. The book is filled with moving stories about people's confrontation with death and lessons to help us lead a richer life.
Amen to this
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
Virgina understands that remembering is part of healing.I also use Write from Your Heart, A Healing Grief Journal in my classes. It is good to find books such as these.For the children I teach I use After the Tears, A Gentle Guide to Help Children Understand Death.
Very Enlightening
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
I bought this book because I am starting to volunteer at a convalescent home. I recommend it for anyone who is going to comfort the terminally ill.The book's true stories and descriptions of what extreme life-saving measures doctors often resort to, have made me want to have a very specific advanced medical directive. Artificial breathing / ventilation and feeding tubes are not for me!
Exactly What I Needed!!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
A powerful and positive call to action that inspired me to "make death part of life". Like most Americans, I come from a family in which the very thought of death is always put off until it's much, much too late. Ms. Morris's book changed all that for me. It defanged the "death monster" and turned it into a facet of life that I will think about, talk about and prepare for with my family and friends in a manner that will ease the passage of the dying invididual as well as those who love that person.I never thought a book about death could be so life-affirming!!
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